Introduction
It’s not unusual for dogs to go through periods where they seem disinterested in their regular food. However, it becomes a concern when your dog refuses to eat their normal food, but still has an appetite for treats or human foods. This selective eating indicates your dog is likely not sick, but rather being picky or finicky with their diet.
There are several potential reasons behind this behavior, ranging from boredom with the food itself, to stress, anxiety, or an underlying health issue causing loss of appetite. With some patience and detective work to identify the root cause, you can typically transition your dog back to a healthy diet.
This guide covers the common reasons a dog may turn down their regular food while still willing to eat treats. We’ll also provide tips to encourage your dog to start eating normally again. In severe cases of appetite loss combined with lethargy or other symptoms, it’s important to rule out illness by consulting your veterinarian.
Medical Causes
One of the most common reasons a dog stops eating their regular food but will still eat treats is because they are feeling unwell or are experiencing some kind of medical issue like an illness, disease, or pain that is causing a loss of appetite. According to PetMD, “Anything that can cause a dog to feel ill, such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, intestinal parasites, liver disease, cancer, infection, dental disease, etc., can lead to a reduction in appetite.”
Some specific medical issues that may lead to a dog not wanting to eat their regular food include:
- Dental disease – dental pain can make it uncomfortable for dogs to chew kibble. The soft, easy to eat texture of treats may be more appealing when dogs have dental issues 1.
- Gastrointestinal issues – conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasites, or gastrointestinal infections can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea which leads to a decreased appetite 2.
- Kidney disease – when kidneys aren’t functioning properly, dogs experience nausea and oral ulcers which make eating unpleasant.
- Liver disease – dogs with liver issues often lose their sense of smell and taste which causes food to be unappealing.
- Diabetes – uncontrolled diabetes leads to nausea and oral inflammation.
In cases of illness, a vet visit is recommended to properly diagnose and treat the underlying medical issue. Addressing any health problems can help restore your dog’s appetite for their regular food.
Food Quality
Sometimes a dog may refuse food if the food has gone bad or contains low quality ingredients. Kibble or wet dog food can expire and become rancid over time, which can make it unpalatable to dogs. Signs of expired dog food include mold, an unpleasant smell, and discoloration.
Contaminants or bacteria in expired or low quality dog food can also cause a dog to avoid eating it (Source). Ingredients like fillers, artificial flavors/colors, and chemical preservatives found in some low quality foods may put dogs off as well. It’s best to check expiration dates on bags and cans and look for a high quality dog food with wholesome ingredients.
If the food smells bad or looks moldy, it should be discarded. Purchasing a new bag of premium dog food, stored properly and used within the expiration date, can often resolve food refusal if the issue is due to food quality.
Food Boredom
One potential reason your dog may not be eating their normal food is simply because they are bored of it. According to the American Kennel Club, some dogs can become bored with the smell, flavor, and texture of their regular dog food if it remains unchanged for too long (source). Just like humans enjoy variety, dogs can get tired of eating the exact same kibble day in and day out.
Signs your dog may be bored of their food include lack of enthusiasm at mealtimes, disinterest in finishing meals, or only eating when enticed with treats. However, it’s important to rule out medical causes before assuming boredom is to blame. A vet check can determine if an underlying health issue is causing appetite changes.
If your dog seems healthy but bored of their cuisine, try mixing up their diet by incorporating different proteins, textures, or flavors. Rotation diets switching between 2-3 foods can provide novelty. Adding warm water, gravy, or healthy toppers can also make the food more enticing. Just be sure to transition foods gradually to avoid digestive upset.
Stress and Anxiety
Changes in your dog’s home environment or daily routine can cause stress and anxiety that may lead to a decrease in appetite. Major changes like moving homes, introducing new pets or family members, or switching to a new dog walker can be very disruptive for some dogs.
Even subtle changes like rearranging furniture, loud noises from construction or storms, or deviations from your normal schedule can induce stress. Your dog may be accustomed to feeding times at set hours, so inconsistencies can be unsettling.
Stressed dogs may refuse food entirely or eat significantly less than normal. Vomiting, diarrhea, and anxious behaviors like pacing and whining can also indicate stress-related appetite issues.
To help your anxious dog eat, keep mealtimes low-key by separating from other pets. Use a comfortable, quiet area without distractions. Consider an anti-anxiety vest or pheromone diffuser to ease stress. Get your dog checked by a vet to identify any underlying illness. With patience and by minimizing stress triggers, your dog’s appetite should return.
Picky Eating
Some dogs are just naturally picky eaters. Certain breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pugs are known to be finicky. Picky eating is often normal in these dogs, though it can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue.
Picky dogs may refuse their regular dog food while readily accepting treats and human food. It’s important not to give in by feeding them things like table scraps, or they’ll learn to hold out for people food. Stick to scheduled mealtimes and pick up uneaten food after 10-15 minutes.
You can try enticing picky eaters by warming their food to bring out the aroma, adding a spoonful of wet food or bone broth to dry kibble, or using puzzle toys that make eating more interesting. But don’t cater to pickiness by constantly switching up foods or flavors.
At times, a previously eager eater becomes more finicky seemingly for no reason. This could point to a developing health problem. Schedule a vet visit to rule out issues like dental disease, gastrointestinal disorders, or other illnesses that cause a decreased appetite.
Preference for Treats
Dogs often prefer the taste and texture of treats over their regular food. Treats are designed to be tasty and appealing to dogs, and they contain different flavors and textures than typical dog food. Dogs can develop strong preferences for certain tastes or textures. Treats can become a high-value reward. So when given the choice between dog food and a delicious treat, it’s not surprising many dogs choose the treat.
Some dogs also see treats as more exciting than regular dog food because they are given intermittently and often used for training or rewarding good behavior. The unpredictable delivery of treats can make them more enticing than the boring bowl of food available all the time. This preference for treats is common in dogs but can lead to an unbalanced diet if treats make up too much of what a dog eats.
Lack of Appetite Stimulation
One reason your dog may not be eating their normal food but will eat treats is due to a lack of appetite stimulation from their regular food. Kibble or canned dog food can become boring over time, especially when fed on a consistent schedule. Treats, on the other hand, are often more aromatic, flavorful, or texture-rich, stimulating your dog’s appetite more than their normal food.
There are some simple things you can try at home to make your dog’s meals more stimulating and appealing:
- Warm up canned food before serving, releasing more aroma (source: https://toegrips.com/appetite-stimulant-for-dogs/)
- Mix in a spoonful of wet dog food or bone broth into their kibble
- Add some warm water to their kibble and let it soak for 5-10 minutes before serving
- Mix in a small amount of cooked chicken, cheese, yogurt, or other human foods your dog likes
- Hand feed your dog, bringing the food right under their nose
Making small enhancements to add aroma, texture, and flavor can make your dog’s normal food more stimulating. It activates their appetite by appealing to their senses of smell, taste, and touch.
Transitioning Foods
When switching your dog’s food, it’s important to transition slowly between foods over a period of 5-7 days. This gives their digestive system time to adjust to the new ingredients and nutrients. According to The American Kennel Club (source), transitioning too quickly can upset your dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea or even vomiting. A slow transition also helps prevent your dog from refusing the new food outright.
Start by mixing a small amount of the new food, about 25%, with their current food. Over the transition period, gradually increase the ratio of new to old food until your dog is eating 100% new food after 5-7 days. Some experts recommend decreasing the old food by 25% each day while increasing the new food. Take note of how your dog reacts and adjust the amounts accordingly. If they show signs of stomach upset, slow the transition by keeping the ratios the same for an extra day or two. The key is to go slow.
Make sure to closely monitor your dog’s appetite, stool consistency, and energy levels throughout the transition. If any issues arise, stop the switch and contact your vet. With patience and proper precautions, you can successfully transition foods and set your dog up for better health.
When to See a Vet
If your dog stops eating for an extended period, it can be a sign of a serious medical issue that requires veterinary attention. Here are some warning signs that indicate you should seek medical care:
Not eating for over 24 hours. According to PetMD, if your dog hasn’t eaten or drank anything for 24 hours or more, they should see a vet right away to be assessed and treated (source). Prolonged lack of food can lead to liver damage and other problems.
Vomiting and diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, especially if it persists for over 24 hours. The AKC advises contacting your vet within 8-12 hours if your dog has vomiting or diarrhea along with loss of appetite (source).
Lethargy. If your dog seems weak, depressed, or lethargic, and refuses to eat for over 12-24 hours, a vet visit is a must according to The Bark (source). Lethargy and appetite loss can indicate something serious.
Weight loss. Rapid weight loss or failure to gain weight can be problematic. Consult your vet if your pup loses over 10% of their body weight (source).
Acting sick. If your dog is acting ill and not eating normally for more than a day, see your vet even if there are no other obvious symptoms yet (source). It’s better to be safe.